Disties keeping PC stocks low in light of ailing market

New figures show distributors have just 30 days' worth of PC stock - the lowest of all levels of the computer supply chain

Uncertainty in the PC market has driven distributors to carry the lowest levels of stock when compared to other computer supply chain players.

New figures from IHS iSuppli's Supply Chain Inventory Brief showed that PC disties held just 30 days' worth of stockpiles in 2012's fourth quarter in an effort to offset any losses if they are not sold.

Original design manufacturers (ODMs) were also hit badly, carrying just 32 days' supply over the same period. Semiconductor suppliers held the most stock, according to the figures, holding 85 days' supply of kit.

Sharon Stiefel, IHS analyst for semiconductor market intelligence, said the ailing PC market means distributors do not want to risk having too many computers on their hands.

She said: "ODMs and distributors are striving to keep a minimal amount of computers in stock partly because once-dominant PCs have now been upstaged in the minds of consumers by mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

"Global PC shipments fell last year for the first time in 10 years, while shipments of smartphones and tablets continued to boom. Because of this, companies are attempting to minimise future risk by keeping inventories of unsold products at low levels."

IHS iSuppli added that distributors in particular need their products to come in and go out as quickly as possible in order to minimise risks.